Tone is an important element of storytelling. It often gives readers clues as to what kind of story they are reading and how they should interpret it. A matter-of-fact tone is one of the most commonly used tones in fiction and can be used to great effect when creating a story. This article will explore what the matter-of-fact tone is and how it contributes to the overall story.
What is the Matter-of-Fact Tone?
The matter-of-fact tone is a storytelling style in which the narrator or protagonist speaks in a calm and unemotional manner. They present the events of the story as if they are simply facts and do not express any emotion or opinion. This type of tone is often used in stories that are meant to be read objectively, such as mysteries, thrillers, and science fiction. It can also be used in stories with a moral, such as Aesop’s fables.
How Does the Matter-of-Fact Tone Contribute to the Overall Story?
The matter-of-fact tone contributes to the overall story by creating a sense of neutrality and objectivity. By not expressing any emotion or opinion, the narrator creates a sense of impartiality and allows readers to form their own opinions about the events of the story. This can be useful in stories where the reader is meant to draw their own conclusions, such as mysteries and thrillers.
Creating Suspense and Tension
The matter-of-fact tone can also be used to create suspense and tension in a story. By not expressing any emotion or opinion, the narrator creates a sense of uncertainty and leaves readers guessing as to what might happen next. This can be a powerful tool in creating a suspenseful story, as the reader is unsure of what to expect and is kept in a state of anticipation.
Building the Character’s Personality
The matter-of-fact tone can also be used to build the character’s personality. By not expressing any emotion or opinion, the character appears to be impartial and unemotional. This can be used to create a sense of mystery around the character and draw readers in, as they are unsure of what kind of person the character is or what their motivations might be.
Creating a Sense of Distance
The matter-of-fact tone can also be used to create a sense of distance between the narrator and the events of the story. By not expressing any emotion or opinion, the narrator appears to be removed from the story and allows readers to interpret it without being influenced by the narrator’s perspective. This can be useful in stories where the narrator is meant to be impartial, such as mysteries and thrillers.
Creating a Sense of Clarity
The matter-of-fact tone can also be used to create a sense of clarity in a story. By not expressing any emotion or opinion, the narrator presents the events of the story as facts and allows readers to understand what is happening without any interference. This can be useful in stories that are meant to be read objectively, such as science fiction and historical fiction.
Conclusion
The matter-of-fact tone is an important element of storytelling and can be used to great effect when creating a story. It contributes to the overall story by creating a sense of neutrality and objectivity, creating suspense and tension, building the character’s personality, creating a sense of distance, and creating a sense of clarity. All of these elements can be used to create a powerful and engaging story that readers will remember.
